And then his expression sobered. "But what will Mrs. Brady be doin' without me?" he cried. "Sure she's used to me now, and she's not strong, either."
"Perhaps Mike would come," suggested Mrs. Brady.
"He'll be glad to do it, ma'am!" exclaimed Pat, his joy returning. "'Tis himself that thinks its first the General and then you, just as I do."
"I hope you may always think so," said Mrs. Brady, smiling.
"Sure and I will. How could I be thinkin' anything else?"
And then the meal went on.
That evening, by permission, Pat went home. He sang, he whistled, he almost danced down the track.
"And it's Pat as is the happy b'y this evenin'," said Mrs. O'Callaghan. "Listen to him singin' and whistlin', first wan and then the other. Gineral Brady's is the place for any one."
The family were sitting in the kitchen, for the evening was a trifle cool. But the windows were open and there was a lamp burning.
"He's got some good news, I guess," remarked quiet Andy.